CMS assigns new technology status to foldable lens

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) approved the Tecnis foldable IOL (Advanced Medical Optics) as a New Technology Intraocular Lens (NTIL). This is the only lens approved for the NTIL reimbursement status. There will be an additional Medicare reimbursement of $50 per lens for ambulatory surgical centers.

Intended to be placed in the capsular bag, the Tecnis foldable IOL is indicated for primary implantation for visual correction of aphakia in adults in whom a cataractous lens has been removed by phacoemulsification.

The NTIL designation goes into effect Feb. 27 for both the acrylic and silicone platform lenses.